The Antarctica Expedition

10 to 24 December

Immense icebergs, enormous rookeries of penguins and stunning landscapes combine to make

a true adventure to the world`s most remote wilderness. You will be introduced to the magic of

the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula on this 11-day expedition. This frozen

frontier is home to some of the planet`s most incredible wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Along

the journey, your team of expert guides and lecturers will provide context to the sites and bring

alive the region`s remarkable natural history. You can join a kayaking excursion to experience

the Antarctic from another vantage point or follow in the footsteps of bold explorers and

experience the majesty of Antarctica first hand with a camping excursion.

Day 1

Ushuaia, Argentina

Arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Make your way to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening.Situated on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means `the bay facing westward` in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for people cruising to Antarctica. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, the only coastal national park in Argentina.

Day 2

Ushuaia, Argentina

Today, you will embark your ship in the afternoon. The morning is free to do any last minute shopping or an optional excursion to the Terra Del Fuego National park or a good hike up to the Marshall Glacier. The evening is spent on board the ship watching the sunset over the Beagle Channel.Please note while it is intended to adhere to the itinerary described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day on board, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.

Day 3-4

The Drake Passage

Your adventure begins with a 497-mile crossing of the passage that bears the name of the 16th century English explorer Sir Francis Drake. The Expedition is at home in this part of the Southern Ocean, known for the unimpeded fetch of the winds that encircle the Antarctic. At some point on the second day you cross the Antarctic Convergence, a meeting of cold polar water flowing north and warmer equatorial water moving in the opposite direction. This mixing pushes nutrient rich waters to the surface attracting a variety of seabirds, whales and other species.

As you make the passage you have time to become acquainted with the ship and frequent the common areas that include the lounge, dining hall, library and lecture hall where you will meet your guides, ship`s crew and expedition staff. The lecture and information sessions begin where you can learn the extraordinary human and natural history of the Antarctic region.

Day 5-8

Antarctic Peninsula / South Shetland Islands

This is what you`ve been waiting for—a chance to step foot on the Great White Continent! Over the next four days you will navigate southwards making stops in the South Shetland Islands then through the Bransfield Strait and to the Antarctic Peninsula. The goal is to attempt two excursions per day while navigating through the area, but the itinerary and daily schedule will be based on the local weather and ice conditions encountered.

The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands abound with wildlife activity. Penguins gather with their fast-growing chicks, seals haul out onto ice floes and beaches, and numerous albatross and other seabirds trail in your wake. There is plenty of time to enjoy the sheer beauty and the breathtaking scenery of ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers and rugged snow-capped mountains. The Peninsula also has a remarkable history and, during the voyage, you will learn about some of the most important and dramatic expeditions to this remote corner of the world. Keeping a lookout from the bridge or the deck of the ship, as it threads its way along the continent, you`ll feel the same sense of excitement as many of those early explorers.

Day 9-10

The Drake Passage

Today, you leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. In between bird watching, whale watching and enjoying some final lectures by your expedition staff, this is a chance to relax and review the adventures of the past week before returning to Ushuaia.

Day 11

Ushuaia, Argentina

And so the adventure comes to a close. You will say your goodbyes as you disembark in Ushuaia in the morning.23rd and 24th Dec is for the Ushuaia-Mumbai flights.

2. Argentina VISA (you will have to go in person for the verification).

3. Travel insurance.

4. Accommodation for 1 night in Ushuaia with breakfast and dinner.

5. All meals onboard the ship.

6. Tea, coffee and water onboard the ship.

7. Shore excursions and zodiac cruises from the ship.

8. Expedition ship for 9 nights.

9. Services of the Expedition staff and naturalists.

10. A Beyond Wild tour leader.

11. Complimentary waterproof boots onboard.

12. Waterproof jacket.

13. Hotel to ship return transfers.

14. Ushuaia hotel to airport return transfers.

15. Expedition guidebook.

16. Trip cancellation and emergency evacuation insurance (mandatory).

1. Accommodation in Ushuaia/Buenos Aires other than mentioned above.

2. Extra excursions and trips which are not mentioned above.

3. Alcoholic and other aerated beverages.

4. Kayaking, camping, etc.

5. Departure taxes.

6. Laundry and anything else not mentioned above.

7. All govenment taxes as applicable.

1. Participants who have a medical history asthma, high blood-pressure, cardiac problems are kindly advised to seek medical advice before enrolling for the tour.
2. BEYOND WILD Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. shall not be responsible for any injuries, loss, damages, etc to the participants arising due to any untoward and unexpected man-made or natural calamity.
3. All clients travelling with BEYOND WILD Travel & Photography Pvt Ltd. must complete and sign a reservation form and the "Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk & Arbitration Agreement" form.
t of D